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Lobster Roll Champ Defies Downpour for Victory
14 Sep
Summary
- Matthew Stefanillo won the contest for the second consecutive year.
- Heavy rain did not deter participants or attendees from the festival.
- Competitors consumed a large quantity of lobster rolls during the event.
The annual Hampton Beach Seafood Festival proceeded despite heavy rain, continuing one of New Hampshire's beloved traditions: the lobster roll eating contest. Matthew Stefanillo from Ashburnham, Massachusetts, secured his second consecutive victory, consuming an impressive 24 lobster rolls. He narrowly bested Joe Menchetti of Cheshire, Connecticut, who ate 22 rolls.
Stefanillo's winning performance surpassed his previous year's total by eight rolls. Jeff Giannelli of Londonderry represented the local Granite State in the top three, marking his debut in the competitive eating circuit. He expressed his enthusiasm for lobster rolls and the festival, a place he has frequented since childhood.
Veteran competitor Allen Wan of Seabrook, New Hampshire, participated for his tenth year, eating 11 lobster rolls. Wan, who only eats lobster during this annual contest, also took home multiple to-go boxes of lobster meat, highlighting the festival's value. Even a past incident where a governor performed the Heimlich maneuver did not dampen spirits.
Attendees, including Ryan Devine from Chareroi, Pennsylvania, braved the elements, citing the local seafood and atmosphere as draws. Participants adapted to the weather, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to enjoying the regional culinary celebration.
